A programme to celebrate Oldham's 175th anniversary is set to get underway in the coming weeks, with a number of events set to take place this year.

The Borough of Oldham came into existence on November 1, 1849, after a charter was granted on June 13 that same year. 

A formal election process took place and the town’s first ever mayor, William Jones was appointed in early December 1849.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of Oldham being officially created, and now plans to celebrate the milestone have been announced.

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Oldham Council has said a special commemorative video, events and new projects to bring local people together will take place as the year goes on.

Many of the events and projects will celebrate some of the major historical moments and individuals in Oldham's history.

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The council said some of the biggest events and milestones in the borough's history included:

  • The birth of suffragette Annie Kenney in 1879
  •  Alexandra Park opening in 1865
  • Winston Churchill being elected as MP for Oldham in 1900 
  • Sarah Lees becoming the first female Mayor of Oldham in 1910
  • Elk Mill, the last cotton mill in Oldham to be built, opening in 1928
  • The death of champion speedway driver and communist activist Clem Beckett during the Spanish Civil War in 1937
  • The launch of the world's first tubular bandage in 1961
  • The world’s first test tube baby being born in 1978

The council has already earmarked some events for the calendar, including One Seven Five, an exhibit showcasing objects which tell fascinating stories about Oldham through the years, which will open at Gallery Oldham on June 15 and run until January next year.

Another one is the Oldham Histories Festival, which will run between September 6 and 15, with this year’s theme is Routes, Networks and Connections.